(00:00): Welcome to the Merlin English AudioBlog. For full transcriptions, along with additional learning resources, visit www.merlinenglish.co.uk/members.

(00:15): Today, we will be looking at the native AudioBlog, Titled: Monarchy in the Modern Age.

… 1. Introduction …

(00:22): Monarchies have existed for centuries, with kings, queens, and other royal figures holding positions of power and influence. Despite the historical significance of monarchies, there has been growing debate over whether they are still relevant in contemporary times.

(https://www.biographyonline.net/royalty.html)

(00:43): With the rise of democratic ideals and the increasing costs of maintaining a monarchy, many have questioned whether they should still exist. In this AudioBlog, we will explore the arguments for and against the continuation of monarchies, as well as their future outlooks.

(00:59): By examining this contentious issue, we can gain a better understanding of the role of the monarchy in the modern society and the potential implications of their abolition.

… 2. Historical Context of Monarchies …

(01:10): In Europe, the concept of monarchy was formalised during the Middle Ages, with kings and queens holding absolute power over their realms. As monarchies evolved over time, they took on different forms, such as constitutional monarchies and absolute monarchies.

(https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/middle-ages)

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/absolutism-political-system)

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/constitutional-monarchy)

(01:32): The role of the monarch also changed, with some assuming more ceremonial roles while others exercise substantial political power. In the case of the United Kingdom, the monarchy has a rich history dating back over a thousand years.

(https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/KingsQueensofBritain/)

(https://www.history.com/news/what-is-the-queens-role-in-british-government)

(01:42): The current monarch, King Charles III, is the head of state. The UK monarchy has changed over time, with the monarch's powers becoming increasingly limited. However, they still hold significant cultural and historical importance for many in the UK and around the world.

… 3. Arguments for the Continuation of Monarchies …

(02:04): Despite growing debate over their relevance, many argue that monarchies should continue to exist. Proponents of monarchies cite a variety of reasons for their continuation, including historical significance, cultural heritage, and political stability.

(https://thediplomat.com/2014/06/why-monarchies-are-still-relevant-and-useful-in-the-21st-century/)

(02:25): One argument in favour of monarchies is that they provide a sense of continuity. Monarchies have a rich historical tradition and are often seen as symbols of national identity and cultural heritage. The monarch also serves as a unifying figure, representing the people and the state, and promoting a sense of national unity and pride.

(02:46): Another argument for the continuation of monarchies is their potential role in promoting political stability. In some countries, monarchs are viewed as a neutral party, separated from the political fray and capable of providing a unifying force during times of crisis.

(03:03): For example, during times of war or other national emergencies, the monarch can serve as a figurehead and a source of strength for citizens.

(https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/queen-elizabeth-ii-during-world-war-ii)

… 4. Arguments Against the Continuation of Monarchies …

(03:13): Regardless of the arguments in favour of monarchies, there are also many who believe that they should no longer exist. Critics of monarchies mention a variety of reasons for their opposition, including concerns over democratic values, gender inequality, and the cost of maintaining a monarchy.

(https://thediplomat.com/2014/07/no-monarchies-dont-make-sense-in-the-21st-century/)

(03:37): One of the main arguments against monarchies is that they are incompatible with democratic values. Monarchs are often seen as unelected and unaccountable, and their powers can be seen as anti-democratic.

(https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/politics/foundations-of-american-democracy/core-democratic-values/)

(03:50): This is particularly true in cases where monarchs have significant political power, such as in absolute monarchies. In these cases, the monarch can override democratic decisions and stifle political progress.

(04:05): Another argument against the continuation of monarchies is their potential role in perpetuating gender inequality. Many monarchies are based on a male succession system, which can exclude women from the throne and encourage gender inequality.

(https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22300293)

(04:20): While some monarchies have begun to address this issue by changing their succession laws, many critics argue that monarchies are inherently patriarchal and therefore incompatible with modern values of gender equality.

(04:33): Finally, opponents often point to the high cost of maintaining a monarchy. Monarchies can be extremely expensive, requiring significant public funding for their upkeep and protection.

(https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/5/2/how-much-does-the-british-royal-family-cost-its-complicated#:~:text=Republic%2C%20an%20organisation%20that%20lobbies,345%20million%20pounds%20(%24431m).)

(04:45): In some cases, the cost of maintaining a monarchy can far exceed its symbolic value, leading to questions about the wisdom of continuing to fund such institutions.

… 5. Implications and Future Outlook …

(04:56): The discussion around whether monarchies should still exist has important implications for both the countries that currently have monarchies and for the broader international community.

(05:11): For countries that have monarchies, the continuation or abolition of the monarchy has significant political and cultural impacts. If a country were to dissolve its monarchy, it would represent a major constitutional change that would require careful consideration of the effects on the country's political system and culture.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_monarchies)

(05:31): Additionally, the continuation of a monarchy can help to preserve traditions and cultural identity, but it may also limit democratic participation and accountability. At the same time, the debate around monarchies has broader implications for the future of democracy and governance around the world.

(05:50): As more countries move towards democratic forms of government, the existence of monarchies may seem increasingly out of step with modern values and principles.

(06:00): However, there is also a risk that a rush to abolish monarchies could lead to instability and political upheaval if not handled carefully.

(06:09): Looking to the future, it seems likely that the debate around monarchies will continue to be an important one, especially as younger generations become more politically active and engage with questions of governance and democratic participation.

(https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/35985-young-britons-are-turning-their-backs-monarchy?redirect_from=%2Ftopics%2Fpolitics%2Farticles-reports%2F2021%2F05%2F21%2Fyoung-britons-are-turning-their-backs-monarchy)

… 6. Conclusion …

(06:32): In conclusion, the question of whether monarchies should still exist is a complex and nuanced one that requires careful consideration of a range of factors.

(06:44): While there are arguments in favour of the continuation of monarchies, particularly in terms of their cultural and historical significance, there are also arguments against them, such as concerns around democratic participation and accountability.

View this episode’s exercise sheet here.